Introduction
On July 28, 2025, the Buddhist Association of China (BAC) announced its decision to revoke the ordination certificate of Shi Yongxin, the abbot of the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China. This action was prompted by a report from the Henan Provincial Buddhist Association, citing allegations of criminal offenses and serious violations of Buddhist precepts. Shi Yongxin, a prominent figure in Chinese Buddhism, is accused of embezzling project funds and temple assets, as well as maintaining improper relationships with multiple women and fathering illegitimate children. These allegations have been described as “highly egregious,” severely damaging the reputation of the Buddhist community. Shi Yongxin is currently under investigation by multiple government departments, with results to be disclosed as they become available. This article explores the background, allegations, responses, and potential implications of this significant event.
Background
Shi Yongxin, born Liu Yingcheng in 1965 in Anhui Province, joined the Shaolin Temple as a monk at the age of 16 in 1981. Under the tutelage of the then-abbot, Shi Xingzheng, he rose to prominence, becoming the temple’s director in 1987 and its abbot in 1999. He also held influential positions, including vice president of the BAC and president of the Henan Provincial Buddhist Association, and served as a representative in the National People’s Congress from the 9th to 12th sessions.
The Shaolin Temple, located in Dengfeng City, Henan, is a historic center of Chinese Zen Buddhism and martial arts, founded in 495 CE and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Under Shi Yongxin’s leadership, the temple underwent significant commercialization, establishing ventures such as the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Troupe and the Henan Shaolin Intangible Assets Management Co., Ltd. These efforts reportedly generated annual revenues exceeding 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million USD). However, this commercialization has been controversial, with critics arguing it deviates from Buddhist principles of simplicity and detachment. Shi Yongxin has faced prior allegations of financial impropriety and personal misconduct, though a 2017 investigation concluded with “insufficient evidence.”
Allegations Against Shi Yongxin
On July 27, 2025, the Shaolin Temple management issued a statement detailing the allegations against Shi Yongxin, which include:
- Criminal Offenses: Shi Yongxin is suspected of embezzling and misappropriating project funds and temple assets. Specific details, such as the amounts involved, have not been disclosed, but these actions are considered serious violations of Chinese law.
- Violation of Buddhist Precepts: He is accused of maintaining long-term improper relationships with multiple women and fathering illegitimate children, directly contravening the Buddhist monastic precept against sexual misconduct (one of the five core precepts for monks, which include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants).
These allegations were deemed severe enough to warrant immediate action, as they have “seriously damaged the reputation of the Buddhist community and the image of ordained monks,” according to the Shaolin Temple’s statement.
Response from the Buddhist Association of China
The BAC, the official supervisory body for Buddhism in China, acted promptly upon receiving the Henan Provincial Buddhist Association’s report. On July 28, 2025, it announced the revocation of Shi Yongxin’s ordination certificate, a formal document issued by the BAC that signifies a monk’s religious status. The revocation effectively strips Shi Yongxin of his religious authority and disqualifies him from holding formal roles within Buddhist organizations.
The BAC’s decision aligns with its regulations, specifically the Measures for Qualification Certification of Buddhist Clergy, which outline the criteria for maintaining religious status. The association emphasized its support for the legal handling of Shi Yongxin’s case, reflecting a zero-tolerance stance toward violations of religious and legal standards. This action follows a precedent set earlier in July 2025, when the BAC revoked the ordination certificate of another monk, Daolu, for alleged fraud, indicating a broader effort to enforce discipline within the Buddhist community.
Timeline of Events
The following table summarizes the key events leading to the revocation of Shi Yongxin’s ordination certificate, based on available reports:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 25, 2025 | Reports emerge that Shi Yongxin was detained by Henan police for investigation. |
| July 26, 2025 | Social media and self-media outlets confirm Shi Yongxin’s investigation. |
| July 27, 2025 | Shaolin Temple management issues a statement confirming allegations of criminal offenses and precept violations, noting ongoing multi-agency investigations. |
| July 28, 2025 | The BAC announces the revocation of Shi Yongxin’s ordination certificate. |
Controversy and Context
Shi Yongxin’s tenure as abbot has been marked by controversy, primarily due to his aggressive commercialization of the Shaolin Temple. Initiatives such as establishing an official website, opening a Taobao store, and authorizing overseas Shaolin branches have transformed the temple into a global cultural brand. However, these efforts have drawn criticism for prioritizing profit over spiritual practice. Past allegations, including claims of extortion and personal misconduct in 2017, were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, but they contributed to ongoing public skepticism about his leadership.
The current allegations are particularly damaging due to their dual nature: criminal charges of embezzlement and violations of Buddhist precepts. The accusation of improper relationships and fathering children is especially significant, as it directly contravenes the monastic vow of celibacy, a cornerstone of Buddhist discipline. These issues have reignited debates about the intersection of religion, commerce, and ethics in modern China.
Significance of Ordination Certificate Revocation
The revocation of an ordination certificate is a rare and serious action in Chinese Buddhism. The certificate, issued by the BAC, serves as proof of a monk’s adherence to Buddhist precepts and their eligibility to serve in religious roles. Revoking it signifies a formal denouncement of the individual’s conduct and removes their religious legitimacy. This action not only affects Shi Yongxin’s personal standing but also sends a strong message about the BAC’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards, particularly for high-profile figures.
Potential Implications
The revocation of Shi Yongxin’s ordination certificate has several potential consequences:
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Impact on the Shaolin Temple:
- Reputation: As a global symbol of Chinese Buddhism and martial arts, the Shaolin Temple may face a reputational crisis, potentially affecting tourism and cultural initiatives.
- Commercial Operations: The temple’s extensive business ventures, including martial arts troupes and corporate entities, may face increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight.
- Leadership Transition: The loss of Shi Yongxin’s religious status may necessitate a new abbot, potentially altering the temple’s direction.
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Impact on the Buddhist Community:
- Ethical Reflection: The case may prompt the BAC and local Buddhist associations to strengthen oversight of clergy conduct and enforce stricter adherence to precepts.
- Governance Reforms: It could lead to reforms in how Buddhist institutions are managed, particularly regarding financial transparency and ethical accountability.
- Public Perception: The scandal may fuel public debates about the role of religion in modern China, especially in the context of state oversight by the United Front Work Department.
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Impact on Shi Yongxin:
- Personal Consequences: Losing his ordination certificate effectively ends his formal religious career, and ongoing investigations may lead to legal consequences.
- Professional Repercussions: His roles in various Buddhist and commercial entities, such as the Henan Shaolin Intangible Assets Management Co., Ltd., may be terminated.
Related Data
The following table lists some of the entities associated with Shi Yongxin, based on business records:
| Entity Name | Status | Shi Yongxin’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Zhengzhou Buddhist Association | Active | Legal Representative |
| Erqi District Xiansheng Temple | Active | Legal Representative |
| Sanmenxia Shanzhou District Xiong’er Mountain Kongxiang Temple | Active | Legal Representative |
| Henan Shaolin Intangible Assets Management Co., Ltd. | Withdrawn (April 2022) | Former 80% Shareholder |
| China Songshan Shaolin Temple | Active | Legal Representative |
These affiliations highlight Shi Yongxin’s extensive involvement in both religious and commercial activities, which may be linked to the allegations of financial misconduct.
Broader Context
The BAC, established in 1953, serves as the official supervisory body for Buddhism in China, operating under the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party. It oversees the registration of temples, certification of clergy, and compliance with national laws. The revocation of Shi Yongxin’s certificate aligns with the BAC’s role in maintaining discipline and aligning Buddhist practices with state policies, including the “Sinicization” of religion under President Xi Jinping’s directives.
This event also occurs against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny of religious institutions in China. The BAC’s actions reflect a broader effort to address misconduct within state-sanctioned religious organizations, as seen in the earlier case of Daolu, whose ordination certificate was revoked on July 18, 2025, for alleged fraud.
Conclusion
The revocation of Shi Yongxin’s ordination certificate by the Buddhist Association of China is a significant response to allegations of criminal and ethical misconduct. This event not only affects Shi Yongxin’s personal and religious standing but also raises critical questions about the commercialization of sacred institutions, the governance of religious communities, and the balance between tradition and modernity in Chinese Buddhism. As investigations continue, the Shaolin Temple and the broader Buddhist community may face a period of reflection and reform to restore public trust and uphold the principles of their faith.
